Intel commits itself to education in Africa

In order for Africa to become globally competitive and improve social conditions, it is essential that governments do more to give its citizens access to and education on these technologies. Research has shown that there is a direct correlation between pervasive broadband and economic growth, Intel plays an important advisory role drawn from its global expertise to assist governments  create a holistic approach and best practice models  that create access to information communication technologies (ICTs).

“ICT is rapidly changing the way we live, work and communicate and increasingly access to global markets and information determines economic growth in a country.  It is therefore critical for governments to prioritise provision for its citizens to access and education on these technologies the impact on the economy will be bigger than they realise,” says. Ferruh Gurtas Intels Corporate Affairs Manager for Middle East Turkey and Africa.

In an effort to assist governments, and in particular those in African countries, to bridge this gap, Intel has committed to developing methodologies and training programmes that governments can add into their existing education system as well as playing an important advisory role to ensure a holistic approach in the implementation process. “Our educational programs focus on improving teaching and learning through the effective use of technology, advancing math, science, engineering, research and advocating and promoting educational excellence,” explains Gurtas.

The Intel approach is a holistic model to ensure that people all over the world have the skills needed to compete at a global scale. Intel currently invests more that $100 million globally each year towards improving education in over 50 countries.  The Intel Education Initiative is Intel’s sustained commitment to improve teaching and learning through the effective use of technology.

Intel has successfully assisted governments throughout Africa including Ghana, Nigeria, Rwanda, Morocco, Namibia, Cape Verde, l, Kenya and as well as working with continental organisations such as the NEPAD’s eAfrica Commission  .  “One of our most successful projects was implemented in Ghana, where Intel developed and implemented Africa’s first WiMAX connected school which was set up with a full eLearning centre, hardware, software, Internet connectivity and teacher training,” says Gurtas. “Most recently we have signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Rwandan Ministry of Education with the vision of training 5 000 Rwandan teachers on the effective use of technology in education within the next 3 years.”

Other successful projects include the integration of modern ICT technologies into Nigeria’s education strategies and the launching of the Intel Teach® Program in Morocco, Cape Verde, and Mozambique.  Intel’s one-on-one education plan is also being implemented in eight countries including Senegal, Angola and Namibia.

Intel is also pro-actively working with governments in Rwanda, Mozambique, Cape Verde, Ghana, Zambia and Botswana to increase accessibility to technology, mainly through implementing WiMAX solutions and services in these countries.Lets talk about our connectivity vision here

“Intel is actively involved in education today to create the innovation of tomorrow,” says Gurtas. “We believe that all people and at all levels deserve to have the skills they need to become the next generation of innovators,” he concludes. Move up to the first section.